Libyan human rights activist Hisham Al-Harati has warned of an alarming surge in insecurity across western Tripoli, saying the scale of recent armed robberies and carjackings is unprecedented.
In a Facebook post, Al-Harati pointed to a series of incidents involving theft and violent assaults carried out with vehicles reportedly linked to state institutions. He said the repeated use of government-labelled cars in such crimes highlighted the depth of lawlessness.
According to Al-Harati, the inability of the government and its affiliated armed groups to restore order and guarantee public safety has left citizens increasingly vulnerable. “Such events, which the authorities and their militias have failed to end or control, only strengthen the conviction that replacing one authority with another changes nothing,” he wrote.
Residents in western Tripoli have repeatedly complained of worsening security conditions, with armed groups accused of extortion, robbery, and violent disputes. Analysts say the capital remains fragmented among rival factions, with formal state institutions unable to impose full control.
The activist’s comments reflect growing frustration among citizens who feel unprotected in their daily lives despite Libya’s wealth and extensive security apparatus. Reports of car theft, armed robbery, and violent altercations have surfaced frequently on social media, fuelling anger over what many view as impunity for armed groups.
Al-Harati’s warning comes as international actors continue pressing Libyan authorities to consolidate state institutions and unify security structures. The lack of accountability and the persistence of armed groups in urban areas remain key obstacles to stabilising the capital.
